No one should sit by and watch silently as illegal acts are being committed, which is why when it occurs in the workplace, employees are encouraged to report their employer’s illegal activities.
Unfortunately, upon finding out that an employee has reported them, employers may want to punish them, which is known as employer retaliation. Employer retaliation can occur in any state at any workplace, so knowing what it is and how to handle it is important.
As an employee, it is your right to complain about anything illegal happening in the workplace including harassment and discrimination. With the Whistle Blower Act keeping you safe, you are protected from your employer’s retaliatory behavior. What this means is that if your employer tries to punish you for being a whistleblower, he or she will be committing an illegal act and you can pursue compensation.
Unsure if you have a case or not? Take a look at what has occurred at your place of employment since you reported your employer. If you experienced a demotion, denial of promotion, exclusion from meetings, change in duties or wrongful termination, then you experienced your employer retaliating against you.
Although the reasons listed above are common forms of retaliation, every case is unique, so you are encouraged to contact an attorney if you feel your employee has punished you for reporting illegal acts in the workplace.
Reporting any illegal activities is the responsible thing to do. Don’t let your employer punish you for doing the right thing.